Enhanced die-up ball grid array and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

An electrically and thermally enhanced die-up tape substrate ball grid array (BGA) package and die-up plastic substrate BGA package are described. A substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. The stiffener has a first surface and a second surface. The second stiffener surface is attached to the first substrate surface. An IC die has a first surface and a second surface. The first IC die surface is mounted to the first stiffener surface. A plurality of solder balls is attached to the second substrate surface. In one aspect, a heat spreader is mounted to the second IC die surface. In another aspect, the stiffener is coupled to ground to act as a ground plane. In another aspect, the substrate has a window opening that exposes a portion of the second stiffener surface. The exposed portion of the second stiffener surface is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB). In another aspect, a metal ring is attached to the first stiffener surface. In another aspect, wire bond openings in the stiffener are bridged by one or more studs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of integrated circuit (IC) device packaging technology, and more particularly to substrate stiffening and heat spreading techniques in ball grid array (BGA) packages.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] Integrated circuit (IC) dies are typically mounted in or on a package that is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). One such type of IC die package is a ball grid array (BGA) package. BGA packages provide for smaller footprints than many other package solutions available today. A BGA package has an array of solder balls located on a bottom external surface of a package substrate. The solder balls are reflowed to attach the package to the PCB. The IC die is mounted to a top surface of the package substrate. Wire bonds typically couple signals in the IC die to the substrate. The substrate has internal routing which electrically couples the IC die signals to the solder balls on the bottom substrate surface.

[0005] A number of BGA package substrate types exist, including ceramic, plastic, and tape (also known as “flex”). In some BGA package types, a stiffener may be attached to the substrate to supply planarity and rigidity to the package. In such packages, the IC die may be mounted to the stiffener instead of the substrate. Openings in the stiffener may be used to allow the IC die to be wirebonded to the substrate.

[0006] Die-up and die-down BGA package configurations exist. In die-up BGA packages, the IC die is mounted on a top surface of the substrate or stiffener, opposite of the side to which the solder balls are attached. In die-down BGA packages, the IC die is mounted on a bottom surface of the substrate or stiffener, on the same side as which the solder balls are attached.

[0007] Conventional BGA packages are subject to high thermal stresses that result from the heat given off during operation of the mounted IC die. The thermal stresses are primarily imposed on the IC die and solder balls due to the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) between the semiconductor die and the metal stiffener. As a result, conventional flex BGA packages have difficulty in meeting reliability requirements for die sizes larger than 9 mm. See, e.g., Thompson, T., et al., Reliability Assessment of a Thin (Flex) BGA Using a Polyimide Tape Substrate, International Electronics Manufacturing Technology Symposium, IEEE, pp. 207-213 (1999).

[0008] The tape substrate used in flex BGA packages is typically polyimide, which has very low values of thermal conductivity. Consequently, the IC die is separated from the PCB internally by the tape substrate thermal barrier. The lack of direct thermal connection from IC die to PCB leads to relatively high resistance to heat transfer from IC die-to-board (theta-jb).

[0009] A stiffener attached to a substrate enhances heat spreading. However, the openings on the stiffener for wire bond connections tend to reduce the thermal connections between the IC die and the edges of the stiffener. As a result, heat spreading is limited largely to the region of the IC die attach pad, while areas at the stiffener peripheral do not contribute effectively to heat spreading.

[0010] Furthermore, because of the high density of the substrate routing circuitry, it is difficult to bond each power and ground pad on the IC die to the substrate by a corresponding bond finger. As a result, the distribution of ground and power signals connecting to the IC die is frequently compromised in conventional BGA packages.

[0011] Ball grid array packages that use plastic substrates (for example, BT or FR4 plastic) are commonly known as plastic BGAs, or PBGAs. See, e.g., Lau, J. H., Ball Grid Array Technology, McGraw-Hill, New York, (1995). A PBGA package, for example, may add solder balls to the bottom substrate surface under the IC die to aid in conducting heat to the PCB. Solder balls such as these are referred to as thermal balls. The cost of the PBGA package, however, will increase with the number of thermal balls. Furthermore, a large array of thermal balls may be necessary for heat dissipation into the PCB for high levels of IC device power.

[0012] Hence, what is needed are BGA packages with improved heat spreading capabilities, while also providing for high levels of IC electrical performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Ball grid array (BGA) packages having enhanced electrical and thermal characteristics are described herein. The BGA package has a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A stiffener has a first surface and a second surface. The second stiffener surface is attached to the first substrate surface. An IC die has a first surface and a second surface. The first IC die surface is mounted to the first stiffener surface. A plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a heat spreader has a first surface. The first heat spreader surface is mounted to the second IC die surface.

[0015] In a further aspect of the present invention, the second IC die surface includes a contact pad. A wire bond corresponding to the contact pad couples the corresponding contact pad to the second stiffener surface. At least one power/ground/thermal solder ball is attached to the second substrate surface. Each of the power/ground/thermal solder balls are coupled to the stiffener through a corresponding via extending through the substrate. The at least one power/ground/thermal solder ball is coupled to a first potential.

[0016] In a further aspect of the present invention, the substrate has a window opening that exposes a portion of the second stiffener surface. The exposed portion of the second stiffener surface is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0017] In a further aspect of the present invention, a metal ring is attached to the first stiffener surface.

[0018] In a further aspect of the present invention, a wire bond opening is positioned along an edge of the IC die mount location. The wire bond opening extends through the stiffener. At least one stud corresponds to the wire bond opening. Each stud bridges the substrate across the corresponding the wire bond opening.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present invention, BGA packages having enhanced electrical and thermal characteristics are described herein. A substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate surface includes an array of contact pads. The first substrate surface is configured to mount an integrated circuit (IC) die. A plurality of solder balls is attached to the contact pads of the substrate. A heat spreader has a first surface coupled to the second substrate surface. A second surface of the heat spreader is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0020] Further aspects of the present invention, and further features and benefits thereof, are described below. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0022]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate conventional flex BGA packages.

[0023]FIG. 2A shows a top view of a stiffener.

[0024]FIG. 2B shows a temperature distribution for a stiffener during operation of an IC device in a flex BGA package.

[0025]FIG. 2C shows an top view of an alternative stiffener configuration.

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional die-up plastic BGA package.

[0027]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package with heat spreader, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 5 show a cross-sectional view of an alternative BGA package, according to embodiments of the present invention, where the heat spreader is internal to the BGA package.

[0029]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package with stiffener ground plane, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package with patterned stiffener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package with ground/thermal connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up tape BGA package with metal ring, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the die-up tape BGA package with metal ring of FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 10A illustrates a stiffener that includes one or more thermal studs, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 10B illustrates an IC die that is wire bound to a substrate through openings in the stiffener of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up PBGA package with ground/thermal connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up BGA package.

[0038]FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate exemplary solder ball arrangements for the die-up BGA package of FIG. 12A.

[0039]FIG. 13 shows exemplary routing in a substrate layer.

[0040]FIG. 14 shows a flowchart related to FIGS. 4 and 5, that provides operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 15 shows a flowchart related to FIG. 6 that provides operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 16A-D show flowcharts related to FIGS. 7 and 8 that provide operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 17 shows a flowchart related to FIGS. 9A and 9B that provides operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 18 shows a flowchart related to FIGS. 10A and 10B that provides operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 19A-C show flowcharts related to FIG. 11 that provide operational steps of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 20 illustrates a substrate that has a central window opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a stiffener that has a downward protruding portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Overview

[0050] The present invention is directed to a method and system for improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance of BGA packages. The present invention is applicable to all types of BGA substrates, including ceramic, plastic, and tape (flex) BGA packages. Furthermore the present invention is applicable to die-up (cavity-up) and die-down (cavity-down) orientations.

[0051] Numerous embodiments of the present invention are presented herein. In a first embodiment, BGA package thermal stress at the IC die/stiffener interface is released or altered with the introduction of a heat spreader on the top surface of the IC die, enabling large size dies with high input and output (I/O) counts to be packaged using BGA technology. In a second embodiment, BGA package thermal resistance and the length of the current return path are reduced by introducing thermal/ground balls underneath or within close proximity of the IC die. In a third embodiment, the package thermal resistance and ground inductance are reduced by removing center solder balls, and enabling the attachment of a die pad to the PCB. The die pad is attached to the PCB with novel patternings of the metal stiffener, or by positioning a thermal/ground connector in between the IC die pad and the PCB. In a fourth embodiment, the package thermal resistance is reduced by attaching a metal ring to the top surface of a stiffener. In a fifth embodiment, the package thermal resistance is reduced by bridging the die pad to the outer regions of the stiffener with metal studs.

[0052] In further embodiments according to the present invention, the electrical performance of the BGA package is improved. In a sixth embodiment, electrical performance is improved by connecting ground bonds from the IC die to the stiffener. In such a configuration, the stiffener operates as a package ground plane. The package ground plane may be connected to PCB ground through either thermal/ground balls or thermal/ground connectors mentioned in embodiments above, and further described herein. In a seventh embodiment, package power distribution is enhanced by using a layer in a tape substrate as a power or ground plane.

[0053] In still further embodiments according to the present invention, plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package thermal and electrical performances are improved. In an eighth embodiment, replacing the center solder balls with a solid conductor reduces the package junction-to-board thermal resistance and package ground inductance of a PBGA package.

[0054] Ball grid array package types are described below. Further detail on the above described embodiments, and additional embodiments according to the present invention, are presented below. The embodiments described herein may be combined in any applicable manner, as required by a particular application.

[0055] Ball Grid Array (BGA) Package

[0056] A ball grid array (BGA) package is used to package and interface an IC die with a printed circuit board (PCB). BGA packages may be used with any type of IC die, and are particularly useful for high speed ICs. In a BGA package, solder pads do not just surround the package periphery, as in chip carrier type packages, but cover the entire bottom package surface in an array configuration. BGA packages are also referred to as pad array carrier (PAC), pad array, land grid array, and pad-grid array packages. BGA packages types are further described in the following paragraphs. For additional description on BGA packages, refer to Lau, J. H., Ball Grid Array Technology, McGraw-Hill, New York, (1995), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0057] Die-up and die-down BGA package configurations exist. In die-up BGA packages, the IC die is mounted on a top surface of the substrate or stiffener, in a direction away from the PCB. In die-down BGA packages, the IC die is mounted on a bottom surface of the substrate or stiffener, in a direction towards the PCB.

[0058] A number of BGA package substrate types exist, including ceramic, plastic (PBGA), and tape (also known as “flex”). FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional flex BGA package 100. Flex BGA package 100 includes an IC die 102, a tape substrate 104, a plurality of solder balls 106, and one or more wire bonds 108. Tape or flex BGA packages are particularly appropriate for large IC dies with large numbers of input and outputs, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and microprocessors.

[0059] Tape substrate 104 is generally made from one or more conductive layers bonded with a dielectric material. For instance, the dielectric material may be made from various substances, such as polyimide tape. The conductive layers are typically made from a metal, or combination of metals, such as copper and aluminum. Trace or routing patterns are made in the conductive layer material. Substrate 104 may be a single-layer tape, a two-layer tape, or additional layer tape substrate type. In a two-layer tape, the metal layers sandwich the dielectric layer, such as in a copper-Upilex-copper arrangement.

[0060] IC die 102 is attached directly to substrate 104, for example, by an epoxy. IC die 102 is any type of semiconductor integrated circuit, separated from a semiconductor wafer.

[0061] One or more wire bonds 108 connect corresponding bond pads 118 on IC die 102 to contact points 120 on substrate 104.

[0062] An encapsulate, mold compound, or epoxy 116 covers IC die 102 and wire bonds 108 for mechanical and environmental protection.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1A, flex BGA package 100 does not include a stiffener. In some BGA package types, particularly in flex BGA packages, a stiffener can be attached to the substrate to add planarity and rigidity to the package. FIG. 1B illustrates a flex BGA package 110, similar to flex BGA package 100, that incorporates a stiffener 112. Stiffener 112 may be laminated to substrate 104. Stiffener 112 is typically made from a metal, or combination of metals, such as copper, tin, and aluminum, or may be made from a polymer, for example. Stiffener 112 also may act as a heat sink, and allow for greater heat spreading in BGA package 110. One or more openings 114 in stiffener 112 may be used to allow for wire bonds 108 to connect IC die 102 to substrate 104. Stiffener 112 may be configured in other ways, and have different opening arrangements than shown in FIG. 1B.

[0064] The use of a stiffener in a flex BGA package requires additional considerations when attempting to manage heat spreading. FIG. 2A shows a top view of a stiffener 112. Stiffener 112 includes an opening 114 adjacent to all four sides of an IC die mounting position 202 in the center of stiffener 112. FIG. 2B shows a temperature distribution 204 of a stiffener, such as stiffener 112, during operation of an IC die in a flex BGA package. Temperature distribution 204 shows that heat transfer from IC die mounting position 202 to the edges of stiffener 112 is substantially limited by openings 114. Openings 114 act as thermal barriers to heat spreading in stiffener 112.

[0065]FIG. 2C shows atop view of an alternative configuration for stiffener 112, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stiffener 112 includes an opening 206 adjacent to all four sides of an IC die mounting position 202 in the center of stiffener 112. Openings 206 are similar to openings 114 of FIG. 2A, but of different shape. Further alternatively shaped openings in stiffener 112 are applicable to the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional die-up PBGA package 300. PBGA package 300 includes a plastic substrate 302, an IC die 304, a plurality of solder balls 306, a plurality of wire bonds 308, a die pad 310, one or more vias 314, and one or more thermal/ground vias 316.

[0067] Plastic substrate 302 includes one or more metal layers formed on an organic substrate (for example, BT resin or FR4 epoxy/glass). IC die 304 is mounted to die pad 310. IC die 304 may be attached to die pad 310 with an epoxy, such as a silver-filled epoxy. Wire bonds 308 connect signals of IC die 304 to substrate 302. For instance, gold bonding wire is bonded from aluminum bond pads on IC die 304 to gold-plated contact pads on substrate 302. The contact pads on substrate 302 connect to solder balls 306 attached to the bottom surface of substrate 302, through vias 314 and routing within substrate 302 using copper conductors 312. Thermal/ground vias 316 connect die pad 310 to one or more thermal/ground balls 322 on the center bottom surface of substrate 302. An encapsulate, mold compound, or epoxy 320 covers IC die 304 and wire bonds 308 for mechanical and environmental protection.

[0068] As described above, a BGA package includes an array of solder balls located on a bottom external surface of the package substrate. FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up BGA package 1200. FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate exemplary solder ball arrangements for die-up BGA package 1200. As shown in FIG. 12A, BGA package 1200 includes an IC die 1208 mounted on a substrate 1212. IC die 1208 is electrically connected to substrate 1212 by one or more wire bonds 1210. Wire bonds 1210 are electrically connected to solder balls 1206 underneath substrate 1212 through corresponding vias and routing in substrate 1212. The vias in substrate 1212 can be filled with a conductive material, such as solder, to allow for these connections. Solder balls 1206 are attached to substrate 1212, and are used to attach the BGA package to a PCB.

[0069] Note that although wire bonds, such as wire bonds 1210, are shown and described herein, IC dies may be mounted and coupled to a substrate with solder balls located on the bottom surface of the IC die, by a process commonly referred to as “C4” or “flip chip” packaging.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12B, solder balls 1206 may be arranged in an array. FIG. 12B shows a 14 by 14 array of solder balls on the bottom surface of BGA package 1200. Other sized arrays of solder balls are also applicable to the present invention. Solder balls 1206 are reflowed to attach BGA package 1200 to a PCB. The PCB may include contact pads to which solder balls 1206 are bonded. PCB contact pads are generally made from a metal or combination of metals, such as copper, nickel, tin, and gold.

[0071]FIG. 12C shows a bottom view of BGA package 1200, with an alternative solder ball array arrangement. BGA package 1200 attaches an array of solder balls 1206 on a bottom surface of substrate 1212. As shown in FIG. 12C, solder balls 1206 are located in a peripheral area of the bottom surface of substrate 1212, away from a substrate center 1224. For example, solder balls 1206 on the bottom surface of substrate 1212 may be located outside an outer profile area of an IC die mounted on the opposite surface of substrate 1212. The solder ball array may be organized in any number of ways, according to the requirements of the particular BGA package application.

[0072] The solder ball arrangement shown in FIG. 12C is particularly applicable to embodiments of the present invention described below, such as for attaching a heat spreader or ground/thermal connector to a bottom surface of a BGA package. The heat spreader or ground/thermal connector may be connected in substrate center 1224.

[0073] As described above, the BGA package substrate provides vias and routing on one or more layers to connect contact pads for wire bonds on its upper surface to solder balls attached to the bottom substrate surface. FIG. 13 shows an example routing 1304 in a substrate layer 1302 for accomplishing this.

[0074] The present invention is applicable to improving thermal and electrical performance in the BGA package types described herein, and further BGA package types.

[0075] BGA Embodiments According to the Present Invention

[0076] Further details of structural and operational implementations of ball grid array packages of the present invention are described in the following sections. These structural and operational implementations are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. For instance, the present invention as described herein may be implemented in both die-up and die-down BGA package types, as well as other IC package types. Furthermore, each of the embodiments presented below are applicable to tape substrate BGA packages, plastic substrate BGA packages, and ceramic substrate BGA packages. The description below is adaptable to these and other package types, as would be understood to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein. For instance, in plastic substrate BGA packages, and some tape BGA packages, a stiffener may not be required in the BGA package.

[0077] Features of each of the embodiments presented below may be incorporated into BGA packages independently, or may be combined in any manner, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein.

[0078] Drop-in Heat Spreader Embodiments

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat spreader may be used in a BGA package to provide for thermal stress relief and heat dissipation. In a preferred embodiment, a drop-in heat spreader is attached to the top surface of an IC die in a flex BGA package to provide for thermal stress relief and heat dissipation.

[0080]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. BGA package 400 includes IC die 102, substrate 104, plurality of solder balls 106, one or more wire bonds 108, stiffener 112, epoxy 116, a drop-in heat spreader 402, and an epoxy 404. Refer to the discussion above related to FIGS. 1A-1B for additional detail on the structure and operation of some of these elements.

[0081] Substrate 104 has a top surface to which a bottom surface of stiffener 112 is mounted. A bottom surface of substrate 104 attaches the plurality of solder balls 106. The plurality of solder balls 106 connect to vias and/or points on the bottom surface of substrate 104 to which signals internal to substrate 104 are routed and exposed.

[0082] Stiffener 112 has a top surface to which IC die 102 is mounted. In alternate embodiments, BGA package 400 does not require a stiffener, and does not include a stiffener 112. In such an alternate embodiment, IC die 102 is mounted to substrate 104.

[0083] One or more wire bonds 108 connect corresponding bond pads 118 on IC die 102 to contact points 120 on substrate 104. When a stiffener 112 is present, as shown in FIG. 4, wire bonds 108 extend through one or more openings 114 in stiffener 112 to form connections with substrate 104.

[0084] Heat spreader 402 is attached to the top surface (active surface) of IC die 102 using epoxy 404. The epoxy 404 may be the same substance as epoxy 116, or may be a different substance. Silver filled epoxies may be used for epoxy 404 to enhance heat extraction from IC die 102.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4, heat spreader 402 is smaller in area than the upper surface of IC die 102. Alternative sizes for heat spreader 402 are also applicable to the present invention, including sizes equal to the area of IC die 102, or larger areas. Heat spreader 402 is shaped and configured to spread heat from IC die 102, as is required by the application.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, the top surface of heat spreader 402 forms a portion of a top surface of BGA package 400. Heat dissipation to the environment can be improved by exposing the top surface of heat spreader 402. Furthermore, in such a configuration, additional heat sinks may be attached to heat spreader 402. FIG. 5 show a cross-sectional view of an alternative BGA package 500, according to embodiments of the present invention, where a heat spreader 502 is internal to BGA package 500. Heat spreader 502 is completely encapsulated by epoxy 116.

[0087] By attaching heat spreader 402 to the top surface of IC die 102, the mechanical structure of BGA package 400 becomes more symmetrical in its center region, particularly when ground/thermal solder balls do not exist on the bottom surface of substrate 104 underneath the outer profile of IC die 102. Thermal stress at the interface of IC die 102 and stiffener 112 is substantially released or altered by heat spreader 402. Deformation caused by thermal stress in stiffener 112 and substrate 104 is substantially reduced through the use of heat spreader 402. Drop-in heat spreader 402 allows for even larger sizes for IC die 102 and greater I/O counts by providing for greater heat spreading capacity in BGA package 400.

[0088]FIG. 14 shows a flowchart 1400 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. The steps of FIG. 14 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0089] Flowchart 1400 begins with step 1402. In step 1402, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is flex substrate 104, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and/or contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0090] In step 1404, a first surface of a stiffener is attached to the first substrate surface. For example, the stiffener is stiffener 112, which is attached to substrate 104. In alternative embodiments, a stiffener is not required.

[0091] In step 1406, an IC die is mounted to the second stiffener surface. For example, the IC die is IC die 102, which is mounted to stiffener 112. In alternative embodiments, when a stiffener is not used, IC die 102 is mounted directly to the substrate.

[0092] In step 1408, a heat spreader is mounted to the IC die, wherein the heat spreader dissipates heat from the IC die. For example, the heat spreader is heat spreader 402 or 502, which is mounted with epoxy 404 or other attachment means to the upper surface of IC die 102. Heat spreader 402 or 502 typically is mounted to the center of the upper surface of IC die 102, and covers less than the entire upper surface of IC die 102. For instance, the smaller area of heat spreader 402 or 502 allows for bond pads 118 to be exposed on the upper surface of IC die 102 for wire bond connections. In alternative embodiments, heat spreader 402 or 502 is of the same size, or comprises a larger area than the upper surface of IC die 102.

[0093] In step 1410, a plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface. For example, the plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 106, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 104. The solder balls may be arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, or in alternative arrangements. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0094] A benefit of performing the steps of flowchart 1400 is that the heat spreader relieves thermal stress at an interface of the IC die and the first stiffener surface.

[0095] Flowchart 1400 may include the additional step where the second stiffener surface is encapsulated. For instance, the second stiffener surface may be encapsulated by a resin or molding compound, that also encapsulates the IC die, heat spreader, and wire bonding.

[0096] Stiffener Ground Plane Embodiments

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, electrical performance of an IC die, and thermal performance of a corresponding BGA package may be improved by allowing a stiffener to act as a ground plane. In a preferred embodiment, a stiffener in a die-up tape BGA (Flex BGA) package is coupled to PCB ground through one or more vias to ground solder balls. Ground contact pads of the IC die are connected to the stiffener by ground wire bonds. In a further aspect, one or more metal layers of a flex tape substrate may be coupled to a ground or power potential, to operate as a ground or power plane.

[0098]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. BGA package 600 includes IC die 102, substrate 104, plurality of solder balls 106, one or more wire bonds 108, stiffener 112, epoxy 116, one or more ground bonds to stiffener 602, one or more ground/thermal vias 604, one or more ground/thermal balls 606, one or more ground contact pads 608, one or more power contact pads 610, and one or more power vias 612.

[0099] Substrate 104 has a top surface to which a bottom surface of stiffener 112 is mounted. A bottom surface of substrate 104 attaches the plurality of solder balls 106. The plurality of solder balls 106 connect to vias and/or points on the bottom surface of substrate 104 to which signals internal to substrate 104 are routed and exposed.

[0100] Stiffener 112 has a top surface to which IC die 102 is mounted.

[0101] One or more wire bonds 108 connect corresponding bond pads 118 on IC die 102 to contact points 120 on substrate 104. Wire bonds 108 extend through one or more openings 114 in stiffener 112 to form connections with substrate 104.

[0102] IC die 102 has a top surface that includes at least one ground pad 608. Ground pad 608 is coupled to a ground potential signal in IC die 102. A ground wire bond 602 connects ground pad 608 to stiffener 112. The bottom surface of stiffener 112 is coupled to a ground potential signal in the PCB to which BGA package 600 is attached, to cause stiffener 112 to operate as a ground plane. Stiffener 112 is coupled to PCB ground through one or more of ground/thermal via 604 that extend through substrate 104. The one or more of ground/thermal vias 604 are located in substrate 104, underneath IC die 102, and can be filled with a conductive material, such as solder. A ground/thermal solder ball 606 is attached to each ground/thermal via 604 on the bottom surface of substrate 104. Ground/thermal solder ball 606 forms the connection to PCB ground, when reflowed to attach to the PCB. Each ground/thermal via 604 connects the respective ground/thermal solder ball 606 to stiffener 112 both electrically and thermally.

[0103] In a further embodiment, a tape substrate is configured such that a metal layer is used as a package power or ground plane. For instance, with a two-layer tape substrate, the bottom metal layer may be used as a power or ground plane.

[0104] In FIG. 6, PCB package 600 includes a bottom metal layer 614 of a two-layer tape substrate 104 that is coupled to a potential to operate as a power plane, according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more power contact pads 610 on IC die 102 are coupled to a power potential signal in IC die 102. Power contact pad 610 on IC die 102 is connected to a corresponding power via 612 by a power wire bond 616. When a stiffener 112 is present, power wire bond 616 extends through opening 114. Power via 612 extends through substrate 104. Power via 612 can be filled with a conductive material, such as solder. Each power via 612 is coupled to the bottom metal layer 614 of substrate 104. Furthermore, one or more power vias 612 may be connected to corresponding solder balls on the bottom of substrate 104, to connect bottom metal layer 614 to PCB power pads when the solder balls are reflowed.

[0105] The introduction of a stiffener ground plane, and/or a power/ground plane using a metal layer of a tape substrate allows for very short power and ground connections. Current return path lengths are shortened, voltage drop across planes is reduced, and power/ground inductance is reduced. The shorter power and ground paths are also significant in reducing a power/ground path resistance, which advantageously reduces required IC device power levels.

[0106] For further description of the use of a thermal vias in a flex tape substrate, and of the use of a thermal ball coupled to a heat spreader in a die-down TBGA package, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,637, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. For further description of the use of a thermal via and a thermal ball in a plastic substrate BGA package, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,410, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0107]FIG. 15 shows a flowchart 1500 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. The steps of FIG. 15 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0108] Flowchart 1500 begins with step 1502. In step 1502, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is flex substrate 104, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and/or contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0109] In step 1504, at least one opening in a stiffener from a first surface of the stiffener to a second surface of the stiffener is provided. For example, the at least one opening includes openings 114 in stiffener 112. In a preferred embodiment, an opening 114 is located on each of the four edges of IC die 102.

[0110] In step 1506, the first stiffener surface is attached to the first substrate surface. For example, the stiffener is stiffener 112, which is attached to substrate 104. In alternative embodiments, a stiffener is not required, and is not attached to the substrate.

[0111] In step 1508, an integrated circuit (IC) die is mounted to the second stiffener surface, wherein a first surface of the IC die includes a contact pad. For example, the IC die is IC die 102, which is mounted to stiffener 112. In alternative embodiments, when a stiffener is not used, IC die 102 is mounted directly to the substrate. For example, the contact pad is ground contact pad 608.

[0112] In step 1510, the contact pad is coupled to the second stiffener surface. For instance, contact pad is ground contact pad 608, which is connected to stiffener 112 by ground wire bond 602. Ground wire bond 602 may be soldered, or otherwise attached to stiffener 112.

[0113] In step 1512, a plurality of solder balls is attached to the second substrate surface, inside an outer dimensional profile of the IC die. For example, the plurality of solder balls include one or more ground/thermal balls 606, which are arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 in the region of substrate center 1224, shown in FIG. 12C. The outer dimensional profile of the IC die is the area bounded by the edges of IC die 102.

[0114] In step 1514, the plurality of solder balls are coupled through corresponding vias in the substrate to the first stiffener surface. For example, the vias include ground/thermal via 604. The vias can be filled with a conductive material, such as solder, to allow the electrical connection of the solder balls to stiffener 112.

[0115] In a further embodiment according to flowchart 1500, the substrate includes a metal layer, wherein the metal layer is coupled to a second potential. The stiffener has at least one opening extending from the first stiffener surface to the second stiffener surface. The second IC die surface includes a second contact pad. The second contact pad is coupled to the metal layer through one of the openings in the stiffener and through a corresponding via that extends through the substrate. The second contact pad may be coupled to a power or ground potential in the IC die. For example, the second contact pad is power contact pad 610, the metal layer is metal layer 614, and the corresponding via is power via 612.

[0116] In an embodiment, flowchart 1500 may include an additional step, where the contact pad is coupled to a ground potential in the IC die. For example, the contact pad may be connected to a ground plane or ground signal in IC die that is routed to the contact pad.

[0117] Flowchart 1500 may include the additional step where the second stiffener surface is encapsulated. For instance, the second stiffener surface may be encapsulated by a resin or molding compound, that also encapsulates the IC die and wire bonding.

[0118] Flowchart 1500 may include the additional step where a second plurality of solder balls is attached to the second substrate surface, outside an outer dimensional profile of the IC die. For example, the second plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 106, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 104. The solder balls are arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 as shown in FIG. 12B, outside of substrate center 1224. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0119] Embodiments With Stiffener Coupled to a PCB

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present invention, electrical performance of the IC device, and thermal performance of a BGA package is improved by enabling an IC die pad to attach to a PCB. In an embodiment, the IC die pad is attached to the PCB by a novel patterning of the metal stiffener in a die-up tape BGA package. In an alternate embodiment, the IC die pad is attached to the PCB by placing a thermal/ground connector between the IC die pad and PCB in a die-up tape BGA package.

[0121] A BGA package junction-to-board thermal resistance can be substantially reduced by the attachment of a metal die-attach pad directly to a PCB. Metal die-attach pads are coupled to a PCB for package junction-to-board thermal resistance minimization in an exposed pad quad flat pack (QFP), a QFP with exposed heat sink at bottom, and a leadless plastic chip carrier (i.e. LPCC, QFN, SON, QLP) package, for instance. All existing such designs that involve an exposed die pad or an exposed heat sink at package bottom are “lead frame” packages. The present invention provides for an exposed die-attach pad or heat sink at the bottom of flex BGA packages.

[0122]FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention. BGA package 700 includes IC die 102, substrate 104, plurality of solder balls 106, one or more wire bonds 108, stiffener 112, epoxy 116, ground wire bond to stiffener 602, ground contact pad 608, and a stiffener cavity 702.

[0123] Substrate 104 has a top surface to which a bottom surface of stiffener 112 is mounted. A bottom surface of substrate 104 attaches the plurality of solder balls 106. The plurality of solder balls 106 connect to vias and/or points on the bottom surface of substrate 104 to which signals internal to substrate 104 are routed and exposed. Substrate 104 in FIG. 7 has a central window-shaped opening 704, under which solder balls are preferably not connected. FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of a substrate 104 that has a central window opening 704, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Stiffener 112 has a top surface to which IC die 102 is mounted. Stiffener 112 in FIG. 7 is patterned with a cavity 702, which protrudes downward for attachment of IC die 102. As described above, a central window-shaped opening 704 exists in substrate 104. This opening 704 exists to allow stiffener 112 to protrude through, and make contact with soldering pads on a PCB to which BGA package 700 is to be mounted. The bottom exposed surface of cavity 702 can be plated with solder to facilitate surface mount to solder plated metal pads on a PCB to which BGA package 700 is mounted. Hence, stiffener 112 may act as a conduit for heat to be transferred from IC die 102 to the PCB.

[0125] Stiffener 112 may optionally be configured to operate as a ground plane. One or more ground pads 608 may be coupled to a ground potential signal in IC die 102. A ground wire bond 602 connects each ground pad 608 to stiffener 112. With one or more ground wire bonds 602 coupled to stiffener 602, the bottom exposed surface of cavity 702 may function both as an exposed ground pad of BGA package 700, and as an exposed heat spreader. As described above, the bottom exposed surface of cavity 702 may be plated with solder to allows stiffener 112 to be surface mounted to one or more soldering pads on the PCB. The pads on the PCB can be connected to a PCB ground plane to shorten the length of electrical current return paths, as well as to form a conductive heat dissipation path from BGA package 700 to the PCB.

[0126] Direct electrical and thermal connection from BGA package ground to a PCB ground plane is also possible by attaching a heat spreader between the stiffener and PCB. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up flex BGA package 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Substrate 104 in FIG. 8 has a central window-shaped opening, under which no solder balls are connected. A portion of the bottom surface of stiffener 112 is exposed through the central window-shaped opening 704 of substrate 104. A heat spreader (for example, manufactured from copper or aluminum), shown as ground/thermal connector 802, is coupled to the exposed portion of stiffener 112. Ground/thermal connector 802 can be made from the same material as stiffener 112. Material different from stiffener 112 may be used for ground/thermal connector 802 to compensate for the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient between the die 102 and stiffener 112. Ground/thermal connector 802 may be laminated to the exposed portion of stiffener 112 using conductive epoxy. The bottom surface of ground/thermal connector 802 may be plated with solder to facilitate its surface mount to soldering pads on the PCB. Metal pads on the PCB may be connected to a PCB ground plane to shorten the length of electrical current return paths, as well as enhance the conductive heat dissipation path from IC die 102 to the PCB. An advantage of this design is a high efficiency in the metal connector lamination process.

[0127] In a further embodiment, stiffener 112 and ground/thermal connector 802 may be manufactured from a single piece of metal, and hence consist of a single metal piece. FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of stiffener 112 that has a downward protruding portion 2102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. When stiffener 112 shown in FIG. 21 is attached to substrate 104, portion 2102 extends partially or entirely through window-shaped opening 704. Portion 2102 may be directly connected to the PCB, or may be connected to a ground/thermal connector 802 that is connected to the PCB. Because of the thermal and electrical improvement enabled by the coupling of stiffener 112 to a PCB, length of wire bonds can be reduced by moving opening 114 closer to the proximity of die 102 without compromising thermal performance significantly.

[0128]FIG. 16A shows a flowchart 1600 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 16B-D provide operational steps according to further embodiments. The steps of FIGS. 16A-D do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0129] Flowchart 1600 begins with step 1602. In step 1602, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is flex substrate 104, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and/or contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0130] In step 1604, a first surface of a stiffener is attached to the first substrate surface. For example, the stiffener is stiffener 112, which is attached to substrate 104.

[0131] In step 1606, a portion of the first stiffener surface is exposed through a window opening in the substrate. For example, substrate 104 has a window opening 704 in its center. A portion of the bottom surface of stiffener 112 is exposed through window opening 704.

[0132] In step 1608, an IC die is mounted to a second surface of the stiffener, wherein a surface of the IC die includes at least one contact pad. For example, the IC die is IC die 102, which is mounted to stiffener 112.

[0133] In step 1610, a plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface. For example, the plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 106, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 104. The solder balls are arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 as shown in FIG. 12B, exclusive of the area of window opening 704. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0134] In step 1612, the exposed portion of the first stiffener surface is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB), whereby electrical and thermal performance of the BGA package is improved.

[0135]FIG. 16B provides exemplary steps for performing step 1612:

[0136] In step 1614, a heat spreader is coupled to the exposed portion of the first stiffener surface. For example, the heat spreader is ground/thermal connector 802, which is coupled to stiffener 112 through window opening 702.

[0137] In step 1616, a surface of the heat spreader is configured to be coupled to the PCB. In an embodiment, step 1612 further includes the step where the heat spreader surface is plated with solder to allow the heat spreader surface to be surface mounted to soldering pads on the PCB.

[0138] In an alternate embodiment, step 1612 comprises the step where the stiffener is shaped to have a centrally-located cavity shaped portion that protrudes through the window opening. In an embodiment, step 1612 further includes the step where a surface of the cavity shaped portion is plated with solder to allow the stiffener to be surface mounted to soldering pads on the PCB. For example, stiffener 112 is patterned with a cavity 702, which protrudes downward in window opening 704. The bottom surface of cavity 702 is plated with solder.

[0139]FIG. 16C provides additional exemplary steps for flowchart 1600 of FIG. 16A:

[0140] In step 1618, the stiffener is coupled to a potential. For example, the stiffener may be coupled to ground or power on the PCB. The bottom surface of cavity 702 may be coupled to the ground or power potential on the PCB, or ground/thermal connector 802 may make the connection to the PCB.

[0141] In step 1620, each of the at least one contact pads are coupled to the second stiffener surface with corresponding wire bonds.

[0142]FIG. 16D provides exemplary steps for performing step 1618:

[0143] In step 1622, the stiffener is coupled to a ground potential.

[0144] In step 1624, the stiffener allowed to serve as a ground plane.

[0145] Flowchart 1600 may include the additional step where the second stiffener surface is encapsulated. For instance, the second stiffener surface may be encapsulated by an epoxy, that also encapsulates the IC die and wire bonding.

[0146] Metal Ring Embodiments

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical and thermal performance of a BGA package is enhanced by attaching a metal ring to the top surface of the stiffener. In a preferred embodiment, a metal ring is attached to the top surface of the stiffener in a die-up tape BGA package.

[0148]FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up tape BGA package 900, according to an embodiment of the present invention. BGA package 900 includes IC die 102, substrate 104, plurality of solder balls 106, one or more wire bonds 108, stiffener 112, epoxy 116, and a ring 902. FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of die-up tape BGA package 900, with ring 902.

[0149] Substrate 104 has a top surface to which a bottom surface of stiffener 112 is mounted. A bottom surface of substrate 104 attaches the plurality of solder balls 106. The plurality of solder balls 106 connect to vias and/or points on the bottom surface of substrate 104 to which signals internal to substrate 104 are routed and exposed.

[0150] One or more wire bonds 108 connect corresponding bond pads 118 on IC die 102 to contact points 120 on substrate 104. Wire bonds 108 extend through one or more openings 114 in stiffener 112 to form connections with substrate 104.

[0151] Stiffener 112 has a top surface to which IC die 102 is mounted. Furthermore, ring 902 is attached to the top surface of stiffener 112. Ring 902 may be laminated to stiffener 112, after wire bonding is completed. Epoxy 116 is filled in and flushed to ring 902 after the attachment of ring 902. Ring 902 is preferably made of a metal, such as copper or aluminum, or a combination thereof, but may be constructed from other applicable materials. Preferably, ring 902 is made from the same material as stiffener 112, to minimize the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient. Ring 902 is preferably flush with the outer edges of stiffener 112 to form an outer edge of BGA package 900, but may also reside entirely within an outer profile of stiffener 112.

[0152] A primary benefit of attaching ring 902 to stiffener 112 is an increase in stiffness of BGA package 900. Ring 902 also aids in reducing the amount of warp of BGA package 900. Furthermore, ring 902 promotes heat dissipation from stiffener 112, reduces junction-to-case thermal resistance, and facilitates the attachment of an external heat spreader to BGA package 900.

[0153] Furthermore, ring 902 enhances the process of encapsulation of the BGA package. Ring 902, with stiffener 112, creates a cavity that may be filled with a dispensed glob top or encapsulating material, that locks IC die 102 and surrounding elements in place.

[0154]FIG. 17 shows a flowchart 1700 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. The steps of FIG. 17 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0155] Flowchart 1700 begins with step 1702. In step 1702, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is flex substrate 104, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and/or contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0156] In step 1704, a first surface of a stiffener is attached to the first substrate surface. For example, the stiffener is stiffener 112, which is attached to substrate 104. In alternative embodiments, a stiffener is not required, and is not attached to the substrate.

[0157] In step 1706, an IC die is mounted to the first stiffener surface. For example, the IC die is IC die 102, which is mounted to stiffener 112. In alternative embodiments, when a stiffener is not used, IC die 102 is mounted directly to the substrate.

[0158] In step 1708, a plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface. For example, the plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 106, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 104. The solder balls may be arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, or in alternative arrangements. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0159] In step 1710, a metal ring is attached to the first stiffener surface. Attaching the metal ring enhances heat dissipation from the stiffener. For example, the metal ring is ring 902. In alternative embodiments, when a stiffener is not used, ring 902 is attached directly to the substrate.

[0160] Flowchart 1700 may include the additional step where the second stiffener surface within the volume encompassed by the ring is encapsulated. For example, such a filled upper surface may be called a “glob top”. For instance, this volume may be encapsulated by a resin or molding compound, that also encapsulates the IC die and wire bonding.

[0161] Embodiments Using Metal Studs to Bridge Stiffener Openings

[0162] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal performance of a BGA package is improved by bridging an IC die pad to which the IC die is mounted to the outer regions of the stiffener. In a preferred embodiment, one or more metal studs are used as thermal bridges, to bridge the openings in the stiffener that surround the IC die, in a die-up tape BGA package.

[0163] The openings on a stiffener surface allow for wire bond connections between an IC die and a substrate. These openings have the additional effect of reducing the amount of heat that can spread to the outer surface regions of the stiffener, hampering the ability of the stiffener to act as a heat spreader. This effect is illustrated in FIG. 2B, which is further described above. To promote heat spreading according to the present invention, the stiffener is patterned such that one or more short studs run across each wire bond opening. More than one stud may be used to bridge each wire bond opening to promote heat spreading. The manufacturing process used for lead frame patterning may be adapted to pattern a stiffener with studs across the wire bond openings. The use of the studs, however, may reduce space for wire bonds, and may reduce BGA package I/O capability, in some situations.

[0164]FIG. 10A illustrates a stiffener 1000, that includes one or more studs 1002, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stiffener 1000, having one or more studs 1002, may be incorporated into a BGA package in the same manner as is described elsewhere herein for stiffener 112. As shown in FIG. 10A, a stud 1002 bridges each opening 114 in stiffener 1000. In alternative embodiments, more than one stud 1002 per opening 114 may be used. Furthermore, each opening 114 may be bridged by a different number of studs 1002. Some of openings 114 may be bridged by one or more studs 1002, while other openings 114 may not be bridged at all.

[0165]FIG. 10B provides an illustration where IC die 102 is wire bound to substrate 104 through stiffener 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more wire bonds 108 connect corresponding bond pads 118 on IC die 102 to contact points 120 on substrate 104. Wire bonds 108 avoid studs 1002 when making connections to substrate 104.

[0166]FIG. 18 shows a flowchart 1800 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. The steps of FIG. 18 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0167] Flowchart 1800 begins with step 1802. In step 1802, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is flex substrate 104, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and/or contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0168] In step 1804, a wire bond opening is created along each edge of an IC die mount position on a stiffener, wherein each wire bond opening extends through the stiffener. For example, the wire bond openings are wire bond openings 114 in stiffener 1000. The IC die mount position is IC die mounting position 202, shown in FIG. 10A.

[0169] In step 1806, a first surface of the stiffener is attached to the first substrate surface. For example, the stiffener is stiffener 1000, which is attached to substrate 104.

[0170] In step 1808, an IC die is mounted to a second surface of the stiffener. For example, the IC die is IC die 102, which is mounted to stiffener 1000, in IC die mounting position 202.

[0171] In step 1810, at least one of the wire bond openings are bridged with at least one stud. For example, one or more of wire bond openings 114 are bridged with one or more studs 1002. Studs 1002 allow for increased heat spreading across corresponding wire bond openings 114 to the outer edges of stiffener 1000.

[0172] In step 1812, a plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface. For example, the plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 106, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 104. The solder balls may be arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 104 as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, or in alternative arrangements. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0173] The flowchart 1800 may include the further step where a contact pad on the IC die is coupled to the substrate with a wire bond, wherein the wire bond passes through one of the wire bond openings in the stiffener.

[0174] Flowchart 1800 may include the additional step where the second stiffener surface is encapsulated. For instance, the second stiffener surface may be encapsulated by a resin or molding compound, that also encapsulates the IC die and wire bonding.

[0175] PBGA Thermal/Ground Connector Embodiments

[0176] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical and thermal performance of a plastic BGA (PBGA) package is improved by attaching a thermal/ground connector to the bottom surface of a PBGA package. The thermal/ground connector couples the bottom center of a plastic substrate of a die-up PBGA to the PCB. Heat from an IC die is more easily spread to the PCB through the thermal/ground connector, which is attached to the plastic substrate underneath the IC die.

[0177] In the discussion above regarding FIG. 8, embodiments were described that used a ground/thermal connector to couple a flex BGA package to a PCB, to reduce package junction-to-board thermal resistance. Aspects of this discussion above is adaptable to other die-up BGA package types. These include BGA packages having an organic substrate, such as PBGA and fine pitch ball grid array (FBGA) packages. Further detailed description is provided in the following discussion that is applicable to BGA packages with organic substrates.

[0178]FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die-up PBGA package 1100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. PBGA package 1100 includes plastic substrate 302, IC die 304, plurality of solder balls 306, plurality of wire bonds 308, die pad 310, one or more vias 314, one or more thermal/ground vias 316, epoxy 320, a ground/thermal connector 1102, epoxy 1104, a plurality of ground bonds 1106, and a plurality of ground bond pads 1108.

[0179] IC die 304 is mounted to die pad 310. Wire bonds 308 connect signals of IC die 304 to contact pads on substrate 302. The contact pads on substrate 302 connect to solder balls 306 attached to the bottom surface of substrate 302, through vias 314 and routing within substrate 302.

[0180] Thermal/ground vias 316 connect die pad 310 to an exposed metal plated plane 1110 at the bottom center of substrate 302. For instance, die pad 310 and metal plated plane 1110 may be exposed copper pads of plastic substrate 302.

[0181] Solder balls are not attached to the bottom region of substrate 302 covered by metal plated plane 1110. Ground/thermal connector 1102 is attached to metal plated plane 1110. For instance, ground/thermal connector 1102 may be a metal piece (copper or aluminum, for example) that is laminated to metal plated plane 1110 at the bottom center of substrate 302 using a conductive epoxy 1104. A bottom surface 1112 of ground/thermal connector 1102 may be plated with solder for surface mount to soldering pads on the PCB.

[0182] BGA package 1100 provides a thermal path of IC die 304, to die pad 310, to thermal/ground vias 316, to metal plated plane 1110, to epoxy 1104, to ground thermal connector 1102 (and bottom surface 1112) to the PCB soldering pads. Heat spreading is improved by a direct thermal path from IC die 304 to the PCB.

[0183] Metal pads on the PCB can be connected to a PCB ground plane to advantageously shorten the length of electrical current return paths, as well shorten the conductive heat dissipation path from device junctions of IC die to the PCB.

[0184] Ground bonds 1106 may be used to couple ground bond pads 1108 on IC die 304 to die pad 310, when die pad 310 is coupled to ground. This provides for very short ground connections for signals in IC die 304.

[0185]FIG. 19A shows a flowchart 1900 providing operational steps for assembling one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 19B-C provide operational steps according to further embodiments. The steps of FIGS. 19A-C do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings herein. Other structural embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion. These steps are described in detail below.

[0186] Flowchart 1900 begins with step 1902. In step 1902, a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface is provided. For example, the substrate is plastic substrate 302, or another substrate type suitable for a BGA package. For example, an IC die mounting position and contact points are provided on a first, upper surface, and solder ball pads are provided on a second, bottom surface.

[0187] In step 1904, an IC die is mounted to the first substrate surface. For example, the IC die is IC die 304, which is mounted to substrate 302. IC die 304 may be mounted to a die pad 310 attached to substrate 302.

[0188] In step 1906, a plurality of solder balls are attached to the second substrate surface. For example, the plurality of solder balls are plurality of solder balls 306, which connect to vias and/or solder ball pads on the bottom surface of substrate 302. The solder balls may be arranged on the bottom surface of substrate 302 as shown in FIG. 12B, or in other arrangements. The solder balls are used to attach a BGA package to a PCB.

[0189] In step 1908, a first surface of a heat spreader is coupled to the second substrate surface. For example, the heat spreader is ground/thermal connector 1102, which is coupled to substrate 302 with epoxy 1104. Ground/thermal connector 1102 may be mounted to metal plated plane 1110 on substrate 302 by epoxy 1104.

[0190] In step 1910, a second surface of the heat spreader is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB). Second heat spreader surface is bottom surface 1112. In an embodiment, step 1910 may include the step where the second surface of the heat spreader is plated with solder.

[0191] Flowchart 1900 may comprise the additional step where the first substrate surface is coupled to the heat spreader through at least one via that extends through the substrate. For example, the first substrate surface may be coupled to the heat spreader by one or more ground/thermal vias 316.

[0192]FIG. 19B provides exemplary steps for performing step 1904:

[0193] In step 1912, a copper plated die-attach pad is exposed in the center of the first substrate surface. The copper plated die-attach pad, die pad 310, may be an exposed portion of a metal layer of plastic substrate 302.

[0194] In step 1914, the IC die is mounted to the copper plated die-attach pad. For example, the IC die may be mounted with an epoxy.

[0195]FIG. 19C provides exemplary steps for performing step 1908:

[0196] In step 1916, a copper plated plane is exposed in the center of the second substrate surface. The copper plated plane, metal plated plane 1110, is an exposed portion of a metal layer of plastic substrate 302.

[0197] In step 1918, the die-attach pad is coupled to the copper plated plane with the at least one via.

[0198] Flowchart 1900 may include the additional step where the first substrate surface is encapsulated. For instance, the first substrate surface may be encapsulated by a resin or molding compound, that also encapsulates the IC die and wire bonding.

[0199] Conclusion

[0200] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; a stiffener that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second stiffener surface is attached to said first substrate surface; an IC die that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first IC die surface is mounted to said first stiffener surface; a heat spreader that has a first surface, wherein said first heat spreader surface is mounted to said second IC die surface; and a plurality of solder balls attached to said second substrate surface.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein said heat spreader is configured to dissipate heat generated by said IC die.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein said IC die is mounted to said first stiffener surface with an epoxy.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein said epoxy is a silver filled epoxy.
 5. The package of claim 3, wherein an area of said second IC die surface is greater than an area of said first heat spreader surface, wherein said heat spreader is configured to mount to the center of said second IC die surface.
 6. The package of claim 1, further comprising: an exposed first surface of the BGA package, wherein said heat spreader has a second surface that forms a portion of said exposed first surface of the BGA package.
 7. The package of claim 1, wherein said heat spreader is internal to the BGA package.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein said substrate is a tape substrate.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein said plurality of solder balls are located outside an outer dimensional profile of said IC die.
 10. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; a stiffener that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first stiffener surface is attached to said first substrate surface; an integrated circuit (IC) die that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first IC die surface is mounted to said second stiffener surface, wherein said second IC die surface includes a contact pad, a wire bond corresponding to said contact pad, wherein each said wire bond couples said corresponding contact pad to said second stiffener surface; at least one solder ball attached to said second substrate surface, wherein each of said at least one solder ball is coupled to said stiffener through a corresponding via extending through said substrate, wherein said at least one solder ball is coupled to a first potential.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein said substrate includes a metal layer, wherein said metal layer is coupled to a second potential; wherein said stiffener has at least one opening extending from said first stiffener surface to said second stiffener surface; wherein said second IC die surface includes a second contact pad, wherein the package further comprises: a second wire bond corresponding to said second contact pad, wherein said second wire bond couples said corresponding second contact pad to said metal layer by extending through one of said at least one openings in said stiffener, and connecting to a corresponding second via that extends through said substrate.
 12. The package of claim 10, wherein said first potential is a ground potential, wherein said first contact pad is a ground contact pad, whereby said stiffener serves as a ground plane.
 13. The package of claim 10, wherein said substrate is a tape substrate.
 14. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; a stiffener that has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said second stiffener surface is attached to said first substrate surface; and a plurality of solder balls attached to said second substrate surface; wherein said substrate has a window opening that exposes a portion of said second stiffener surface; wherein said exposed portion of said second stiffener surface is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).
 15. The package of claim 14, further comprising: a heat spreader that allows for said exposed portion of said second stiffener surface to be coupled to the PCB.
 16. The package of claim 15, wherein said heat spreader has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first heat spreader surface is coupled to said exposed portion of said second stiffener surface, wherein said second surface of said heat spreader is configured to be coupled to the PCB.
 17. The package of claim 16, wherein said first heat spreader surface is plated with solder that allows said first heat spreader surface to be surface mounted to soldering pads on the PCB.
 18. The package of claim 14, wherein said stiffener has a centrally-located cavity shaped portion that protrudes through said window opening, wherein a surface of said cavity shaped portion forms at least a portion of said exposed portion of said second stiffener surface.
 19. The package of claim 17, wherein said surface of said cavity shaped portion is plated with solder that allows said stiffener to be surface mounted to at least one soldering pad on the PCB.
 20. The package of claim 14, wherein said stiffener is coupled to a first potential, wherein said package further comprises: an integrated circuit (IC) die that is mounted to said first stiffener surface.
 21. The package of claim 20, wherein said IC die has a surface that includes at least one ground pad, wherein said package further comprises: a ground wire bond corresponding to each of said at least one ground pad, wherein each said ground wire bond couples said corresponding ground pad to said first surface of said stiffener.
 22. The package of claim 14, wherein said substrate is a tape substrate.
 23. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second substrate surface includes an array of contact pads; a stiffener that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second stiffener surface is attached to said first substrate surface; a plurality of solder balls attached to said contact pads of said substrate; and a metal ring attached to said first stiffener surface, whereby said metal ring improves heat dissipation from said stiffener.
 24. The package of claim 23, wherein said package further comprises: an integrated circuit (IC) die that is mounted to said first stiffener surface.
 25. The package of claim 23, wherein said substrate is a tape substrate.
 26. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second substrate surface includes an array of contact pads; a plurality of solder balls attached to said contact pads of said substrate; and a stiffener that includes: a first surface that has an integrated circuit (IC) die mount position, wherein the IC die mount position is configured to mount an IC die, a second surface that is attached to said first substrate surface, a wire bond opening positioned along an edge of the IC die mount location, wherein said wire bond opening extends through said stiffener, and at least one stud corresponding to said wire bond opening, wherein said at least one stud bridges said stiffener across said corresponding said wire bond opening.
 27. The package of claim 26, wherein said package further comprises: an integrated circuit (IC) die that is mounted to said first stiffener surface IC die mount position.
 28. The package of claim 26, wherein said substrate is a tape substrate.
 29. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second substrate surface includes an array of contact pads, wherein said first substrate surface is configured to mount an integrated circuit (IC) die; a plurality of solder balls attached to said contact pads of said substrate; and a heat spreader that has a first surface coupled to said second substrate surface, wherein a second surface of said heat spreader is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).
 30. The package of claim 29, further comprising at least one via that extends through said substrate, wherein each said at least one via is filled with a conductive material to couple said first substrate surface to said heat spreader.
 31. The package of claim 30, further comprising: a plated die-attach pad centered on the first substrate surface, wherein said die-attach pad is configured to mount the IC die; a plated plane centered on the second substrate surface, wherein said first heat spreader surface is coupled to said second substrate surface through said plated plane; wherein said conductive material couples said first substrate surface to said heat spreader by coupling said die-attach pad to said plated plane.
 32. The package of claim 29, wherein said substrate is an organic substrate.
 33. The package of claim 29, wherein said package further comprises: an integrated circuit (IC) die that is mounted to said first substrate surface.
 34. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a tape substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; attaching a first surface of a stiffener to the first substrate surface; mounting an IC die to the second stiffener surface; mounting a heat spreader to the IC die; and attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein said heat spreader mounting step comprises the step of: causing thermal stress to be reduced at an interface of the IC die and the first stiffener surface during operation of the IC die.
 36. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; providing at least one opening in a stiffener from a first surface of the stiffener to the second surface of the stiffener; attaching the first stiffener surface to the first substrate surface; mounting an integrated circuit (IC) die to the second stiffener surface, wherein a first surface of the IC die includes a contact pad, coupling the contact pad to the second stiffener surface; attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface, inside an outer dimensional profile of the IC die; and coupling the plurality of solder balls through corresponding vias in the substrate to the first stiffener surface.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the substrate includes a metal layer, wherein the metal layer is coupled to a second potential; wherein the stiffener has at least one opening extending from the first stiffener surface to the second stiffener surface; wherein the second IC die surface includes a second contact pad, wherein the method further comprises the step of: coupling the second contact pad to the metal layer through one of the at least one openings in the stiffener and through a corresponding via that extends through the substrate.
 38. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of: coupling the contact pad to a ground potential in the IC die.
 39. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of: coupling the second contact pad to a power potential in the IC die.
 40. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; attaching a first surface of a stiffener to the first substrate surface; exposing a portion of the first stiffener surface through a window opening in the substrate; mounting an IC die to a second stiffener surface, wherein a surface of the IC die includes at least one contact pad; and attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface; configuring the exposed portion of the first stiffener surface to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB), whereby electrical and thermal performance of the BGA package is improved.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein said configuring step comprises the steps of: coupling a heat spreader to the exposed portion of the first stiffener surface; and configuring a surface of the heat spreader to be coupled to the PCB.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein said configuring step further comprises the step of: plating the heat spreader surface with solder to allow the heat spreader surface to be surface mounted to soldering pads on the PCB.
 43. The method of claim 40, wherein said configuring step comprises the step of: shaping the stiffener to have a centrally-located cavity shaped portion that protrudes through the window opening.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein said configuring step further comprises the step of: plating a surface of the cavity shaped portion with solder to allow the stiffener to be surface mounted to soldering pads on the PCB.
 45. The method of claim 40, further comprising the steps of: coupling the stiffener to a potential; coupling each of the at least one contact pads to the second stiffener surface with corresponding wire bonds.
 46. The method of 45, wherein the stiffener coupling step comprises the steps of: coupling the stiffener to a ground potential; and allowing the stiffener to serve as a ground plane.
 47. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; attaching a first surface of a stiffener to the first substrate surface; mounting an IC die to the first stiffener surface; attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface; and attaching a metal ring to the first stiffener surface.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein said metal ring attaching step comprises the step of dissipating heat from the stiffener with the metal ring.
 49. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of: mounting an IC die to the first stiffener surface.
 50. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; creating a wire bond opening along each edge of an IC die mount position on a stiffener, wherein each wire bond opening extends through the stiffener; attaching a first surface of the stiffener to the first substrate surface; mounting an IC die to the IC die mount position on a second surface of the stiffener; bridging at least one of the wire bond openings with at least one stud; and attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the IC die includes a contact pad, wherein the method further comprises the step of: coupling the contact pad to the substrate with a wire bond, wherein the wire bond passes through one of the wire bond openings in the stiffener.
 52. A method of assembling a ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; mounting an IC die to the first substrate surface; attaching a plurality of solder balls to the second substrate surface; coupling a first surface of a heat spreader to the second substrate surface; and configuring a second surface of the heat spreader to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).
 53. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of coupling the first substrate surface to the heat spreader through at least one via that extends through the substrate.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein said mounting step comprises the steps of: exposing a copper plated die-attach pad to the center of the first substrate surface; and mounting the IC die to the copper plated die-attach pad.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein said step of coupling the first substrate surface to the heat spreader comprises the steps of: exposing a copper plated plane to the center of the second substrate surface; and coupling the die-attach pad to the copper plated plane with the at least one via.
 56. The method of claim 52, wherein said configuring step comprises the step of: plating the second surface of the heat spreader with solder.
 57. A ball grid array (BGA) package, comprising: a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface; a stiffener that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second stiffener surface is attached to said first substrate surface; an IC die that has a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first IC die surface is mounted to said first stiffener surface; a plurality of solder balls attached to said second substrate surface; and at least one of the following: (a) a heat spreader that has a first surface, wherein said first heat spreader surface is mounted to said second IC die surface; (b) a wire bond corresponding to a contact pad on said second IC die surface, wherein said wire bond couples said corresponding contact pad to said first stiffener surface; (c) a window opening in said substrate that exposes a portion of said second stiffener surface, wherein said exposed portion of said second stiffener surface is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB); (d) a metal ring attached to said first stiffener surface; and (e) at least one stud corresponding to a wire bond opening in said stiffener, wherein said at least one stud bridges said stiffener across said corresponding said wire bond opening. 